When it comes to juggling a successful career with a family life it can be challenging to say the least. One of the many advantages of our Travel Counsellors working from home is the fact that they are around for those all important moments that many mummies and daddies miss when they are working nine to five in an office. Whether it’s attending sports-day or simply being able to pick the kids up from school, so many of our agents love the flexibility that running their own travel business from home gives them.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a full time job. But our Travel Counsellors, or ‘TCs’, can work the hours that suit them and their customers, meaning they are available out of normal working hours – a godsend to many busy people who want to book their holiday in an evening or need invaluable help or advice from their agent when abroad.

Obviously it’s great spending time with the kids during the summer hols, but one thing our agents have found is how do they juggle entertaining the children and running a business all under one roof? Well, step in TC Kids!

Last year we introduced this unique programme to support our family of over 1,200 TCs and their children across the globe during the school holidays. It included fun packed activity programmes to amuse mischievous monkeys and keep boredom at bay with things such as puzzles, word searches and competitions galore. We even have our own ‘TCTV’ webcasts for the children to watch, hosted by our very own ‘Auntie Vicky’ and ‘Uncle Malc’ aka one of our fabulous business development executives and company sales director!

The kids loved it. What’s more so did our agents, who were safe in the knowledge the kids were being entertained so it was business as usual. And, hey, we don’t mind admitting we had lots of fun too.

In fact it was such a success that we have run programmes throughout every holiday since. We even did it during the teacher’s strike. But then we decided that we needed to get our thinking caps on and really take TC Kids to the next level in time for this year’s summer hols.

So armed with the latest in modern technology we developed our own internal social networking site for our TC Kids. They can register on the site and have their own profile, updating their ‘statuses’ and chatting to other TC Kids across the globe. They can also upload videos and photos plus take part in a host of competitions. What’s more we have created an action packed six week programme based on a range of themes and activities including a focus on safety in the sun and healthy eating, so the kids are learning as well as having fun…. but don’t tell them that!

It’s has gone down a storm. Our TCs love the fact that their children can interact and learn from other children across the globe in a safe and secure environment. They also love the fact that they have the time to continue to focus on their customers and do what they do best – selling travel. Everyone’s happy. But don’t just take our word from it. Let’s here from the kids….

Monica Long, 10 years old, Worcestershire, UK ; “I love making things and colouring, and I can’t wait to watch the TC Kids broadcast where I get to see all the other kids’ work and entries. It’s so much fun and better than watching TV all day.”

Alexander Jackson, 4 years old, New South Wales, Australia; “I really like it and have lots of fun. I like making friends with other children from around the world. The word searches help me read.”

Awwwww! Also, watch this space to hear all about our special TC Family Day later this month, where our TCs and their families will be enjoying a day of thrills and excitement at Alton Towers!